Electrode clamping device

Abstract

An electrode clamping device is suitable for use in an electrical arc furnace. The clamping device is used releasably to clamp an electrode of an electric arc furnace, and includes at least one elongate tension element configured in use to extend at least partially about a periphery of the electrode of the arc furnace in order for the tension element to define a tensionable loop about the electrode that is adapted to exert a clamping force on the electrode when tensioned. The clamping device also includes a tensioning mechanism including tensioning means adapted to exert a tensile force on end zones of the clamping element so as to tension the tension element, characterized in that the force exerted by the tensioning means is directed in a radial direction relative to the electrode.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A clamping device, suitable for clamping and holding an electrode of an arc furnace, the clamping device comprising:
 at least one elongate tension element configured to extend at least partially about a periphery of the electrode of the arc furnace in order for the at least one tension element to define a tensionable loop about the electrode that is adapted to exert a clamping force on the electrode when tensioned; and 
 at least one biasing means having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is configured to be located radially or near radially outwardly of the first end relative to the electrode, wherein the at least one biasing means is displaceable between an extended position and a compressed position, with the at least one biasing means being biased towards the extended position; 
 a securing structure secured to end zones of the at least one tension element and also secured to the second end of the at least one biasing means, such that displacement of the at least one biasing means from the compressed position to the extended position is configured to cause displacement of the second end of the at least one biasing means radially or near radially outwardly away from the first end is configured to result in tensioning of the at least one tension element, and 
 wherein displacement of the at least one biasing means from the compressed position to the extended position is configured to cause the first end of the at least one biasing means to exert a radial or near radial force directed towards the electrode and to cause the second end of the at least one biasing means to exert a radial or near radial reactive force directed away from the electrode, and wherein the securing structure being secured to the end zones of the at least one tension element and the second end of the at least one biasing means is configured to cause the reactive force directed away from the electrode to be taken up and distributed around the electrode by the tensioning of the at least one tension element. 
 
     
     
       2. The clamping device of  claim 1  in which the end zones of the tension element are angularly offset at an offset angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the at least one biasing means. 
     
     
       3. The clamping device of  claim 2  in which the offset angle is between 35 and 85 degrees. 
     
     
       4. The clamping device of  claim 2  in which the offset angle is between 45 and 75 degrees. 
     
     
       5. The clamping device of  claim 2  in which the offset angle is approximately 60 degrees when in a preloaded position. 
     
     
       6. The clamping device of  claim 1  in which the at least one biasing means comprises a spring which is displaceable between the extended position and the compressed position, with the spring being biased towards the extended position, wherein the first end of the spring is configured to be located adjacent the electrode. 
     
     
       7. The clamping device of  claim 1  further comprising friction shoes, which are configured to be located between the at least one tension element and a casing surface of the electrode. 
     
     
       8. The clamping device of  claim 1  in which the at least one tension element is integrated into a friction shoe to form one integral part that is pivotally linked to additional similar shoe or shoes. 
     
     
       9. The clamping device of  claim 1  further comprising a de-clamping mechanism for use in reducing the tension in the clamping device in order to release the electrode when clamped. 
     
     
       10. The clamping device of  claim 9  in which the de-clamping mechanism includes a piston and cylinder arrangement which is configured to compress the at least one biasing means when actuated. 
     
     
       11. The clamping device of  claim 1  wherein the at least one biasing means comprises at least one spring. 
     
     
       12. The clamping device of  claim 1  wherein the at least one biasing means comprises at least one actuator.